Definition Of Quality Of Care Essay

Defining quality of care takes on many views. Quality of care is looked at in several different ways. Some people thinks it is the bedside manners of the physician, while others think it is the positive outcomes of an illness are just a few opinions. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) also has its own interpretation of health care quality, which is "the degree to which health care services for individuals and populations increase the likelihood of desired health outcomes and are consistent with current professional knowledge (Mitchell, n. d.)." I think we all can agree that we all want some level of safety, efficacy, effectiveness, equity, patient-centered care, staff support and timeliness when receiving care (Understanding quality, n. d.). Quality measurement is a form of evaluation that is often used in businesses. These measurements will focus on methods or procedures of health care that have a proven relationship with positive health care outcomes and under the health care system control. The measurement implemented will most likely use a rigorous, systematic and quantifiable approach, while also being based on scientific research or evidence, objective and will not distort or effect the results. Health care measurements must be standardized, reliable and valid at all times (Understanding quality, n. d.).
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) is considered a quality improvement approach. CQI uses an organizational process, whereby teams of workers will pinpoint and…